Breaking: Embattled Putin wins re-election as Russia’s President

Vladimir Putin has secured another six-year term as Russia’s President, marking his fifth term in office, according to Reuters. Exit polls and initial results from pollster FOM show Putin with an unprecedented 87.8 percent of the vote, positioning him to become Russia’s longest-serving leader since Josef Stalin.

This election, the country’s first to span three days, solidifies Putin’s hold on power until 2030, with the potential to extend his rule until 2036 thanks to legislation passed in 2020 allowing for six-term limits.

Opposition candidates faced obstacles, leading to protests in Moscow and St Petersburg, with allegations of electoral misconduct including ballot stuffing and coercion.

Dozens were reportedly arrested, and incidents of vandalism were observed, with some ballots containing derogatory messages against Putin.

Demonstrations against the outcome were reported globally, underscoring the significance of Putin’s extended tenure, surpassing even Stalin’s record as Russia’s longest-serving leader in over two centuries.